L’Arche in Brussels

Arche history L’Arche was founded by Jean Vanier in 1964. He wanted to offer to people with learning disabilities, generally being in psychiatric hospitals, a place where the human dignity is respected. Jean Vanier He decided to create the first home community for disabled people, in Trosly, in France, close to Paris. He called this house “L’Arche” in reference of the “Noah's Ark”

Arche history It’s an incredible and an surprisingly great expansion! In 1970’s, 43 communities are founded all over the world. In 1973, the first community in Belgium is created.

Arche Brussels L’Arche is a non-profit organization supported by the government, including a day activity-care center and four houses inserted in the neighborhood. They propose a convivial and friendly lifestyle. « le Toit » , an example of a house The day center

Arche mission and philosophy L’Arche is an international federation of people with and without disabilities, who live and work together in the day center and in the houses. The mission of Arche is to give disabled people, an integration of quality and a development of their human competencies.

Environment In addition of the life in the houses, some of the disabled people are going to the day center, where they are doing activities. The houses of l’Arche Brussels are located in Etterbeek (Brussels), close to the historical center and European institution. It’s an urban environment. There are a lot of facilities: public transport, shops and sport places.

Volunteer work Volunteer roles in L’Arche: You are a "friend", but not only…. and having also a role of authority You have a supporting/teaching or ‘educational’ role You therefore also are "a listener," without being a "psychologist."   As part of a team, the volunteer shares his responsibility : In the day center: 9:00-16:00 Support disabled people in their activities: Handicraft, expression, sport, cooking, gardening, circus, etc. Houses work: 7:00-10:00 : Wake—up, prepare breakfast and house work 16:00: Tea-time and hygiene people 18:00 : Prepare dinner 20:30: Night activities

If you are interested, don’t hesitated to join us! Accommodation and indemnity Accommodation: The volunteers from the day center activities are hosted in the volunteers house. They share the common places, but they have a private room. The volunteers in the houses have their own private room in the same house where they are working. Indemnity: Every month, a general indemnity and food indemnity is given to the volunteer who is working in the day center activities, but every work day, the volunteer shares a warm meal with disabled people at their work place. For the volunteers working in the houses they have only a general indemnity because the meal is provided there every day. If you are interested, don’t hesitated to join us!

Ambiance in l’Arche